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absentcaryatid · 2 years ago

Text

San's New Friends

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

San makes some friends, including the reader, who help him de-stress from a busy career.

2.3K words, Content note: all tumblr using ages, gender neutral reader, cats, food, cheating is referenced, no pronouns used for the reader, no reader romance, there are characters named Spider and Ant but no actual bugs in the story

With a blissful grin, San cooed into the phone, “You know I miss my baby. Can I come over to your place tonight? I can make it quick.”

The other teammates eyed each other as they took a rest break mid-practice. ATEEZ did not have a dating ban, so the conversation was not surprising for that reason. Instead, the concern felt by all of them from Hongjoong to Jongho was due to the knowledge that San's partner was currently out of the country. Dancing resumed, but the mood was uneasy. When the others wearily trudged to the company vans to be chauffeured home, San broke off and headed out on his own.

When he got back to the dorm that night, San was smiling like a Cheshire cat. It did not go unnoticed by his teammates who were strewn about the living room engaged in a multitude of activities. For various reasons from a love of drama on Wooyoung's part to Yunho's concern for their good name as a group, nobody had wanted to miss San's return.

The first to speak, Yeosang commented warily, “You look happy.”

“Yes, very much so. I have a new friend.” San continued to beam as he passed through the room toward the kitchen.

Wooyoung trailed him and watched as San got himself a drink of water. Leaning against the cabinet beside the sink, Wooyoung wanted to know, “Is that all? Sounded like more on the phone earlier. Baby, was it?”

Unreadable, San drained the glass before responding. “Just friends, I promise.”

“With benefits,” Wooyoung snickered.

San laughed. “I guess you could call it that. I even feel like I am cheating sometimes.”

Hongjoong had been listening in. Risk taking sounded out of character for San, so he felt the need to caution, “Whatever you have going on, don't let it blow up in all our faces.”

The other members trickled into the kitchen to keep up with the conversation.

“All our careers are linked, and anything you do can tarnish the name of the whole team.” Seonghwa's serious tone matched the others' worried expressions.

“Whoa! I know that, and really am not doing anything dangerous.” Finally aware of the gravity of their assumption, San began to clear his name. “Here is what I have been up to. You will be okay with it, I promise.”

After bouncing around workplaces looking for something that felt meaningful, you had recently landed the perfect job for your skills and interest- manager of a cat cafe. It had been your idea to take on the project in an effort to increase adoptions from the shelter you worked for. With no interest in dealing with the food service part of the cafe, the current offerings were limited to several vending machines, but that did not seem to slow business down any. People generally weren't after the restaurant experience when they visited a cat cafe anyway.

The draw, of course, was the shelter cats hoping to find a permanent home. The playroom side of the cafe let prospective owners interact with cats in a far more comfortable environment than the shelter cages offered. Other people came to relax by playing, petting, or merely watching from the tables. College students living far from their own beloved pet were regulars, and you had recently seen an uptick in their numbers around the stress of finals. Seeing the community benefit from your job gave you a strong sense of pride.

You were pinning another adoption success story photo to the corkboard when a new visitor came in. He looked like a typical college age customer in casual clothes, mask, and brimmed hat pulled low on his face. The man got a can of hot coffee and also made use of the pet food vending machine to get a tube of salmon paste. He was guaranteed to be popular in the cat room with that choice.

First sitting at a table, he seemed mesmerized by the activity behind the glass wall. Some kittens zoomed after each other while the more sedate older residents zoned out with petting and massage from other customers. When you came by to remove trash from the next table over, he asked you about the two Siamese cats.

You tried to hold back talking too much, but it was difficult when he had asked about your favorites. “The bigger one with the gangly legs, we call her Spider, and her brother is Ant since he was the littlest in their litter. I'm hoping they end up in a home together, but at the same time, I am in no hurry to see them go.”

The man who listened happily to your tale of rescuing the orphans from a drainpipe soon became a regular customer very eagerly greeted by the cats due to his frequent purchases of the most expensive treats. Sometimes his visits to play were midday on the weekends, but more often it would be late on a weekday. There were also times when whole months would go by without seeing him.

It was after one of those absences that he came to the door very late begging for five minutes in the cat room just at closing time. With a gesture far more successful than expected, while still outside he took his mask off for the briefest moment to win you over with a show of dimples.

You hoped it was not visible on your face, but you immediately recognized him as Choi San from ATEEZ. All this time, you had had your suspicions when his eyes reminded you of one of your favorite artists, and then the voice too, but to know it was really him left you impressed. San had never acted like a big shot star, waiting in line for the vending machines like anybody else or making friendly conversation with the staff. His humble attitude impressed you.

The long absences coinciding with ATEEZ world tours made sense, and you were enough of a fan to know he had just gotten back to the country today. If letting San decompress with his favorite local cats was a thing you could do for him, you were eager to give this simple gift. “Take all the time you need, I'll be cleaning up and restocking for a while.”

The work went fast as you smiled to yourself. You left San alone, knowing he was there for the cats and some likely much needed relaxation. When it finally came time to move the residents to their cages he offered to assist, and you readily agreed to give him more time with them. It didn't hurt that you enjoyed watching the interactions either.

“Here you go baby, tuck down for the night.” After he put Ant away in his labeled enclosure, San made conversation with you too. “Thank you so much for this time. I have a job that can be stressful and don't get to see my own cat while I live so far from my parents. Tonight really helped.”

You nodded. “You must miss the comfort of Byeol terribly. I wouldn't want the hectic life of an idol for the world.”

San stopped petting Spider who was now snuggled in his arms, purring away. “You recognize me? You didn't freak out.”

Shrugging, and hoping the smile under your own mask reached your eyes, you explained, “I figured you wanted some normalcy. Cats probably make a nice break from effusive fans so I respected that.”

“Thank you. I love being here because the cats like me for who I am as a person rather than my looks or fame.”

When you laughed at him, San took it in good humor. “You win them over with salmon paste! You're gentle with them sure, so they feel safe to be around you, but we both know how well they respond to the customers who spoil them.”

From that night onward, you always got a special head nod in greeting when San showed up. It was clear from the behavior of the staff under your direction that his identity was kept close to your chest. Understanding San would lose the ability to relax at the cat cafe once his visits became public knowledge, you made sure to protect this secret. The two of you were always friendly, but you also made sure to limit your interaction, giving San space to be just like any other cat admirer.

It was right after another concert tour when San returned at closing time with a catnip gift for his favorite nearby cats. When you mentioned Spider and Ant were adopted while he was away, his shoulders slumped. “I hoped to see them again, they really did a lot for me when I missed my Byeol, even if it did feel like cheating on her sometimes to be giving affection to another cat.”

Luckily, you were able to soften the blow with some good news. “Well, if you want, I can take the present home to them, or you are welcome to visit and give it to them yourself. I live nearby.” Suddenly you were hit by how that sounded. “It really is an offer for you and the cats, I'm not looking for anything more from you.”

San laughed, “No worries, being undesired for once makes a nice change. I'm really pleased you gave in and adopted them yourself like you were always threatening to do.”

From then on San would come to play with Ant and Spider from time to time, watching them grow up and calling himself their uncle. He even video called from a tour once because his parents weren't answering to let him chat with Byeol and he really needed some cat time. It soon became clear you were also friends in your own right, the cats alone were not the only draw.

You could tell San felt comfortable after seeing you weren't begging to meet the other members of your favorite group, and could enjoy his company as just a person. He even teased you about it once when he brought snacks for an evening of dramas. Protesting you did like him for far more than being a provider of gourmet smoked salmon, San enjoyed the listing of traits you rattled off as to why his friendship was so valuable to you. None of those reasons had anything to do with his fame or looks, other than the happiness his smile brought you.

Shifting his cat time and friendship visits to the privacy of your home worked well because given enough time, even with the mask, it was a sure thing San was eventually going to be recognized by someone at the cat cafe. Once that happened, with the secret now out and mobs lingering for the chance of spotting a much-admired star, San gave up going to the cafe now that he had an in with you for cat access. Since his association with the shelter run cafe was already publicly discussed online, San approached KQ Entertainment with an idea to help the remaining unadopted cats he had gotten so much benefit from. Since the business was a non-profit, his employers agreed and you greatly looked forward to the project.

The day came and the cafe had a sign out notifying customers it was temporarily closed. Two sedans and plenty of equipment trucks arrived for a video shoot. You held it together far better than your giddy employees as ATEEZ filmed in the cat room. Jongho cheerfully complained but had a soft smile as a cat snoozed across his outstretched legs. Others seemed more at ease, such as Hongjoong who strutted around regally with an orange fur collar licking at his earrings.

In another corner, Yunho and San were splayed out on the floor letting cats walk on them while Yeosang taught a small gray cat to high-five. Seonghwa laughed as the kitten in his arms playfully batted at his bangs. Also true to character, Wooyoung was making recipes mixing together treats from the cat food vending machine to an appreciative audience. And then there was Mingi. The microphone on his shirt picked up quiet words of affirmation to the fat cat named Princess lovingly cradled in his lap, reveling in affectionate forehead scritches and Mingi's soothing voice.

Watching through the glass dividing the animal room from the cafe tables, you were in awe to see how easily San and the others slipped into model mode for the photography session afterward, even with the added difficulty of interacting while holding a cat. The resulting shots designed to showcase each available animal resulted in a complete emptying of the shelter you worked for. The pictures were passed around online, and in no time at all, even the previously hard to place cats had homes with dedicated fans.

The photo of Princess and Mingi in tiny matching tiaras generated the most interest. She was quickly spoken for, however. One of the managers on site that day came back soon after to make her his own to the delight of his family. Thereafter, Princess was occasionally seen around the KQ building on request, but for San she was no substitute for his beloved Byeol, or friends Spider and Ant. Regular visits to those local cats continued, as did his time with you.

San's romantic partners came and went, but your steady presence in his life as a person outside his idol work remained a cherished friendship. When the day came for him to settle down in a permanent relationship, you planned to be there cheering him on. And, should the happy couple wish to add a cat to their household, you would be ready with plenty of suggested feline companions in mind.

Masterlist of stories with no romance

General Masterlist

#ATEEZ #ATEEZ Fanfic #Kpop Fanfic #Kpop Fluff #ATEEZ Fluff #gender neutral reader #diverseinsertknet #Choi San #ATEEZ San #San #cross posted on ao3 #it was a rare day off #no pronouns used for reader #no reader romance

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shade-romeo · 4 years ago

Note

For Sanders Sides writing prompts - Logince with trans! ace! Logan please?

Of course!

I may have gotten carried away. (BTW they're college students in this)

Also, uhhh, don't mind me, sneaking in my goth Roman agenda. OH and a tw for referenced homo/transphobia.

Logan pushed open the library doors, backpack in hand, expecting to walk in, sit down, and start studying.

But of course, just his luck, it seemed that the library was holding an event today.

Occasionally the owner of the library would put together an event to try and get the people in this small town to be civil to one another. The owner was a nice man, and he meant well, but it was hard for one person to do so much. He had heard through the grapevine that he had hired one of his twin daughters to help organize and plan.

Good for him.

Anyway, Logan stepped further inside and looked around, there was a table with food, (admittedly not much food, but.. food nonetheless), and it seemed the other tables were occupied by.. people, all talking and seemingly having a wonderful time.

He was about to just turn around and leave, because, social situations? Yeah, no thank you. But before he could turn, there was another person standing next to him.

"You look confused, and also mildly scared. Are you alright?"

Logan blinked, looking over and analyzing them on instinct.

They stood only up to his shoulders, and wore brown lace up boots with black jeans, and a black shirt with an almost gothic looking playing card design, the queen of hearts to be specific.

They also wore a red hoodie, and a necklace with a sword and sheild charm hanging from the silver chain. And Logan couldn't help but notice the pins attached to their jacket. Both pride pins, one displaying the bisexual flag, and another for the.. transgender flag.

And maybe Logan felt a pang of happiness seeing another person like him in a town that actively shunned those that were different.

Logan looked to their face now, eyes skirting from their hair (which looked as if it was dyed a blood red, but it was severely faded now. The sides of their head were also buzzed, leaving a large fluffy looking mop of hair that fell to the side of their head, going down to their shoulders), all the way down to the piercing on their lip.

He would be lying if he were to say that they weren't attractive.

Objectively of course.

Only when the stranger started snapping in his face, did he come to his senses.

"I.. apologize. I was lost in my thoughts."

They shrugged, "It's fine, happens to the best of us. Which is why it happens to me, very often." They grinned, putting their hands on their hips.

Logan couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Yes, of course. Now uhm.. do you have any information about the event? I'm a bit confused."

"Hm? Oh yeah! It's a pride event! Kinda like a.. GSA, but for the whole town. It's supposed to give all the LGBT people in town a chance to meet others like them, and find people to lean on if they need support!" They explained, and showed off their pins,

"Hence the pride pins. We asked everyone who came in to grab pins from the reception desk, so people can get to know you without talking to you. A trick I learned from my friend Virgil. He's told me that he's an expert on this kind of thing. I don't believe him of course, but you just gotta nod and agree sometimes."

Logan nodded, taking a second to process all the information. "I see.. that's, wonderful. It's amazing that these people are being brought together in the name of helping one another out."

They grinned, "Thank you! I just figured, since my dad gave me full creative control, I'd try to come up with something to.. help people, y'know?"

Logan nodded, "Yes, of course."

....

Wait..

Dad?

Logan's brain went a million miles a minute, tuning out the stranger as they continued talking.

Their father's presumably the owner of the library, from what they said about him giving them creative control over the event, which means that this is one of his daughters, Reina, or Rose. But, they were wearing a trans pin, so they could possibly have a different name, or pronoun then what he's been told, but then again they could also have transitioned to female and now go by Rose or Reina- Fuck! Which twin is this?!

He finally tuned back in when, Rose? Reina? Finished off their rant with an apology, "I tend to just.. talk, and talk, and.. not stop."

"No, it's.. it's fine. You're alright. If I may ask though, and I apologize if this seems out of the blue but, uhm.. what is your name and pronouns?"

They?? She?? He???? went wide eyed, "Oh my gosh, I never even told you my name! I'm so sorry. I'm Roman, he/him pronouns." He stuck out his hand with an apologetic smile, and Logan decided that he couldn't and wouldn't mention the name Rose or Reina. He didn't want to deadname him and come off as an asshole.

"It's alright, I haven't told you mine either." He took Roman's hand, shaking it. "My name is Logan, he/him as well."

"Great! Now uh.. would you wanna join in on the event?" Roman asked with a hopeful smile, and Logan found himself smiling as well.

"Yes, of course."

And so, Roman led him over to the reception desk, waiting patiently as he grabbed a trans and ace pin, connecting them to his t-shirt.

Roman grinned, "It's wonderful to meet someone who shares the same experiences."

Logan nodded with a smile, "I agree."

The two continued to talk for a long while, at some point having gone to sit down at one of the tables. Logan found himself staying and talking with Roman until long after the event was over, even going so far as to help him and his father clean up.

By the end of the night, they had exchanged numbers and decided to meet up at the library as soon as their class schedules allowed it.

And as Logan made the long walk home, he decided that maybe.. maybe Roman was pretty attractive.

Objectively, and otherwise.

(Reblogs > Likes)

#logince #roman sanders #logan sanders #goth roman #bc hoo boy i love me goth roman #tw referenced homophobia

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hadestownmodern · 5 years ago

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Orpheus Graduates

Hey guys! This was also posted over at @dilforpheus! I wanted to say that if you want you are WELCOME to send me prompts and HC requests over to that blog!

The warm spring air may as well have been a blistering, 100 degree summer day to Eurydice. There was no difference now. The heat made her feel like her skin was melting off, hair frizzing around her face. It didn’t help that she had to dress up- she was so happy in Orpheus’ t shirts that still fell to her thighs despite her protruding abdomen. Persephone insisted however, and she knew she was right, that she dress up for the occasion. Besides, she knew Orpheus would enjoy seeing her in the more dressy outfit. And that's how she ended up in a pale pink sundress, that was so tight around her chest she felt she was spilling out, and emphasised her midsection so thoroughly there was no question- she was very pregnant. She managed to get away with wearing light, slip on sandals- which was a blessing, considering none of her other shoes fit over her swollen feet. For all the poetic ways Orpheus described her day in and day out, the only way she would describe herself was a cow.

She was fanning herself with a folded program, thinking about how she couldn’t wait to get out of this heat when Persephone’s voice snapped her out of her reverie.

“You alright there, Chickadee?” The woman asked, her own curled hair pinned off of her neck in this warm weather. “Don’t go passing out on us, I have some water if you want it.”

“How in the hell did you do this? And Junie was born in June! You had to be miserable.” Eurydice groaned, running her hand over her forehead to catch some of the sweat.

“I had a pool and a husband who wouldn’t let me leave the air conditioning. I know Orpheus tried to get you to stay home too-”

“He did and I told him I wouldn’t miss this for the entire world. I’d have to be in labor to miss this, and i’m not having this baby for at least 3 more months. I can handle this for him.” She ran a hand over her stomach fondly, “we can take a couple of hours in the heat, can’t we baby-”

“Oh is baby talkin’ Aunt ‘Rydice? Can I talk to baby?” Persephone’s daughter piped up from her place on her father’s lap, before crawling over Persephone and onto Eurydice’s lap. “Hi baby.” Juniper cooed, leaning her face as close as she could to Eurydice’s stomach, the layers of tulle on the toddler’s dress only adding to the heat on Eurydice’s thighs.

“Sure Junie B, you know they like to hear you.” It was true- the little ball of energy that was their ‘niece,’ with her curly corkscrew hair and endless joy- tended to make Eurydice’s heart yearn for her own baby to be in her arms. Mostly because it was so sweet to watch Junie murmur sweet words to her baby, but also because those words caused said baby to move endlessly within her.

“She is gon’ be my best friend. Thanks for makin me a best friend. I cant wait to see her, ‘Rydice” Junie murmured, tiny hands moving over her belly in some unrecognizable pattern at the same time Persephone reached over to smooth the bow in her hair.

“She insists that baby of yours is a girl, and I have half a heart to believe her. My mama said the same thing with her, and even knew what I was gonna call her before I did.” Seph admitted, holding her hands out. “JuneBug come here, your gonna give your auntie a heat stroke in that dress of yours.”

Junie shook her head, wrapping her little arms around Eurydice’s middle fiercely. “No mama-”

“She’s fine, trust me, she makes this more bearable.” Eurydice promised, running her fingers through Junie’s cafe colored hair. “Besides, she’s just talking to her future best friend.”

She was distracted by music overhead signalling the beginning of the ceremony.

The ceremony itself droned on. Speakers of all ages, her inability to locate Orpheus in the crowd, the spring heat boiling around her. She was midway through reading a picture book to Junie when she heard them get closer to Orpheus’ name.

Junie climbed onto Persephone’s lap, jumping excitedly on her mother’s thighs. “Ophie!! Yay Ophie!!” She clapped her little hands, the three year old doing her best to get his attention with no avail.

Eurydice looked up just in time to see him walk up the stairs to the stage, right in time for his name to be announced over the speaker. She felt her heart speed in her chest. She wasn’t sure where to place this feeling- pure pride mixed with pure unadulterated love. Before she realized what was happening there were tears in her eyes. She didn’t even know she was crying until hot tears dropped onto her hand in her lap. Eurydice wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, smearing whatever makeup hadn’t melted off her face.

She would remember to thank Hermes after, for snapping endless pictures of Orpheus, on this big stage accepting a B.A. degree. Yet in the moment all she could focus on was that smile of pride- pride in himself- that Orpheus wore on his face. He worked hard. She saw first hand the extra shifts he took on to save up for their baby, the late nights he spent singing to their baby, the songs he wrote and rewrote to perform for a grade. The early mornings where he made her breakfast before class, the afternoons he spent by her side as she experienced morning sickness into evenings. The mantra he repeated day after day: It’s for us. It’s for our life together.

Orpheus. Who was a nameless baby left to Hermes by his sister. Who was raised by three young adults who hadn’t learned to care for themselves, let alone an infant. Orpheus, who wears his heart on his sleeve. Orpheus, who fell in love with a girl at first sight across a coffee shop. Orpheus. Who was endlessly optimistic. Orpheus, who proposed to a girl after knowing her officially a month. Orpheus, who every day reminded her how worthy she was. Orpheus, who’s entire world revolved around a baby he hadn’t even met yet.

Eurydice was still crying when the ceremony ended, wiping fruitlessly at her eyes when Orpheus found them, that brilliant smile etched on his face.

“Hey guys!” He was as excited as a little puppy, scooping his niece up and tossing her in the air. Junie’s bell like laugher rang out as he kissed her cheek, before handing her back to Persephone. “Thanks for being here-” He kissed persephone on the cheek, before hugging both Hermes and Hades both.

“Think we’d miss this?” Hermes remarked, giving him a firm pat on the back as he hugged him. “Waited a long time for this, boy.”

“Cold day in hell that would be, us not being here.” Hades gave his nephew a firm handshake, before pulling him into another one armed hug.

“We successfully raised a college graduate. And we weren’t even out of college when we got you.” Persephone pulled him down so she could kiss his forehead, hugging him tightly around her daughter. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo.”

“Thank you- all of you. Can’t believe it, really.” Orpheus smiled sheepishly, setting his diploma case down before turning to his almost wife.

He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up effortlessly, so he could kiss her before spinning her around. “‘Rydice? You okay?”

“I just love you so much.” She whispered, her hands cradling either side of his face. “I’ve never felt so proud of someone in my life.” Eurydice ran her thumb over his cheekbone, leaning in and kissing him. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, and for a moment they were not in the blistering summer heat surrounded by his fellow students. For a few seconds it was just them. Them against the world.

When he sat her down and they pulled away for much needed air, he kept his forehead pressed to hers, arms still tightly around her middle. They smiled at each other, tears still running down Eurydice’s face.

Orpheus couldn’t stop smiling as he sunk to his knees in front of her, nevermind the inevitable grass stains on his knees. His hands wrapped around her middle, as he rested his forehead against her stomach in the most reverent way Eurydice had ever seen. Her breath caught in her throat as he pressed his lips to her belly, a gentle smile on his face.

“Hey baby.. We did it.” He whispered, running a hand down her side. He looked up and met her eyes with his own- now filled with tears too- as his palm was met with a solid kick.

“She’s proud of you too.” Eurydice promised, running her hand through his hair. The pronoun slipped out, as a result of Junie’s rambling. He didn’t question it, not now.

Orpheus rose to his feet, wrapping one arm around his shoulder as he kissed her temple. “In six month it’s gonna be your turn. And she’ll be so proud of you.”

“Come on, you two, we made dinner.” Persephone waved, though Orpheus caught her wiping some of her own tears away.

“I made dinner, she picked the plates.” Hades teased, taking Junie on his hip and wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist. “Noone is getting ramen for dinner tonight.”

“Children, please.” Hermes teased his sister and her husband, shaking his finger. “None of this foreplay at the ceremony.”

Eurydice giggled, wrapping her arm around Orpheus’ midsection. “Come on. Lets go home?”

Orpheus merely nodded, as they began walking. “You look beautiful ‘Ridyce.” He started, but turned back to see Hermes with his camera. “You comin?”

“Go ahead. I’ll be right there.”

They would later see all the pictures Hermes captured. Eurydice holding their niece. Orpheus smiling out to the crowd. Orpheus with his arm around her, kissing her temple as they walked home into their future.

One photo though, of Orpheus on his knees, talking to their baby, tears running down Eurydice’s face as she looked at him nothing but love- that one would remain framed on their wall forever. It would be Orpheus’ favorite for six short months, until it is replaced with one of them with their daughter cradled between them at Eurydice’s graduation that December.

#modern au #orphydice #orpheus and eurydice #eurydice #orpheus

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whorphydice · 5 years ago

Note

I would kinda die for a fic about your modern hc about orpheus’s graduation

This was SO fun to write, your wish is my command. Special recognition to @hollywoodx4 who is literally the coparent to this entire giant modern au we have. She’s wonderful and so special to me.

This whole world is, and I'm so excited to share a piece with you!

Please enjoy sweating, uncomfortable Eurydice.